AJR. American journal of roentgenology
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AJR Am J Roentgenol · Jan 2003
Is administration of enteric contrast material safe before abdominal CT in children who require sedation? Experience with chloral hydrate and pentobarbital.
It has been common practice to administer enteric contrast material in preparation for abdominal CT in children who require sedation to be examined. At some institutions, the practice of administering an anesthetic or enteric contrast material before sedation is being challenged because it violates the "nothing by mouth" status that is otherwise strictly enforced before sedation. Our purpose was to review our safety record in administering enteric contrast material for CT before sedation. ⋯ The practice of administering oral contrast material in children before sedation for abdominal CT appears to be safe when using the sedation drugs and protocols in place at our institution. Further study of the safety of this practice should be undertaken.